(Munkholmen - The Trondheim fjord / 24 meters / 10.03.2003)

Phylum: Porifera

Class: Demospongiae

Order: Axinellida

Family: Axinellidae

Scientific name: Axinella infundibuliformis

 

Norwegian: traktsvamp

Distribution: This sponge is common along the entire coast, normally deeper than 20 meters. Findings have been reported as deep as 630 meters.

Characteristics: Quite easy to identify because of its funnel shape, but not all individuals have a closed funnel. Some look more like a wave (below) and may be confused with the Phakellia ventilabrum. The funnel may reach a diameter of 25 cm. The color is usually white or light yellow. The color is influenced by the habitat where it grows. Grey individuals are not unusual.

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